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About Guitar Club network
What this is all about
Hi, my name is Tom Ptacek, and I created this website to expand the ideas of guitar clubs - organizations devoted to connecting musicians and helping them improve their craft.
I was inspired to do this, by a friend, Dave Schwan, who started three guitar clubs, and welcomed me into the one that's held in Willard, Ohio. Dave has been doing guitar clubs for over 30 years, and has helped hundreds of musicians improve and enjoy their playing.
And now, I am starting a club closer to where I live, in Hudson, Ohio, with Dave's advice and guidance, and the help of several guitar players I've played with in church and in bands. I hope that people will reach out in the contact page below and start their own clubs, to keep the tradition of live music played by real people alive. Thanks for visiting the site, and please get on our contact list - would love to hear your thoughts. Best wishes and keep on playing!
What happens at Guitar Club?
Come out a few times - you'll find yourself looking forward to each meeting - and it will give you an incentive to work on that favorite song you've always wanted to perform.
You Learn
Start with a lesson - maybe just some fingering exercises, maybe it's 30 minutes about song and chord construction, it's good content for beginners and veterans alike.
You Pick Things Up
Try new equipment, learn about other people's guitars, there are occasional guitar contests, with prizes. Meet other players.
Most of all, You Play
It's about the lowest-pressure open mic you can imagine. You're in a gym or church, with no one there but other guitar players. You have nothing to lose but your nervousness!
Three clubs (today) - 2 in the US, 1 in the UK
Note that each of these clubs are independent and run locally. The Guitar Club Network is only here to make people aware of them, and to help connect people with them!
Hudson-Aurora Guitar Club
Meeting at Rejoice Lutheran Church at 7855 Stow Rd in Hudson, Ohio. We will pull from neighboring communities like Stow, Streetsboro, Aurora, and Twinsburg. We have a wonderful sound system, and a room with great acoustics.
More info HERE
Please get on our email list (below) to get updates.
Willard Ohio Guitar Club
Started by a person who started two clubs in England and some of his local musician friends in 2024, the club draws from North Central Ohio communities. They meet at First United Methodist Church in Willard, with a wonderful Bose PA system and roomy gym to practice in. Meetings: 9/2, 9/16, 10/7, 10/21 7-9PM
Full 2026-2027 Schedule: Or
Shirley Guitar Club
Shirley Guitar Club is located near Birmingham in the UK and has been meeting for more than 25 years! They hold regular meetings at 24 Church Road, Solihull, United Kingdom, B90 2AX, next to the Shirley Institute.
Want to start your own club? Contact us.
Reach out to us on the "Contact Us" page below, and we can discuss adding you to this site, and sharing our expertise in starting a club.
From your living room or basement - to the stage!
Try new things
Play in front of people for the first time
Get help with your ideas
Always played rhythm guitar and want to try soloing? Someone will back you up, and give you the chance to work out your nerves in front of a supportive audience.
Get help with your ideas
Play in front of people for the first time
Get help with your ideas
Have an original song, where you'd like to get some help and ideas? Maybe a bass part, maybe you don't have thoughts yet for a solo - meet someone who can help.
Play in front of people for the first time
Play in front of people for the first time
Play in front of people for the first time
Never played at all in front of people? Why not practice doing it in front of others who are in the same boat - and veterans who remember what it was like the first time they did it!